Above photo: Wolf Hollow, Ipswich, Mass.
Here are 42 fun, must-see New England family vacation and
travel
attractions to put at the top of your Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont trip planning lists:
Outdoor
Living Museums in New England
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge,
Mass. A
long-time favorite New England family travel attraction, Old Sturbridge
Village depicts rural New England life in the 1800s "in the company of
farmers, craftsmen and fascinating characters." The well-preserved
homes and buildings on the premises will warm your heart and the hired
staff, playing theirs roles convincingly, bring you back to another era
when life was much more simple. Old Sturbridge Village, Route 20
(two miles west of I-84 and I-90), Sturbridge, Mass. Tel.
(508)347-3362. Web site: https://www.osv.org
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, Mass.
OK, so the
Pilgrims actually first landed on Cape Cod, but Plymouth was their
first permanent settlement. The Pilgrim village has been built as
realistically as possible and the actors and actresses employed there
are worthy of winning Oscars for sticking so close to their traditional
Pilgrim roles -- they give no hint that they are of this 21st century
world. Plimoth Plantation, three miles south on Rt. 3A, Plymouth, Mass.
Tel. (508)746-1622. Web site: https://www.plimoth.org
New Bedford Whaling
National Historical Park, New Bedford, Mass. The New Bedford
Whaling District is splendid with its 13 block area of cobblestone
streets and colorful weathered buildings from the whaling era. The New
Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's foremost museum devoted to the
historic interaction of humans with whales worldwide. This historic
part of New Bedford is indeed an interesting day trip for those
interested in an area that maintains the spirit, feel and history of
Herman Melville's book, Moby Dick. Web site: www.nps.gov/NEBE
Old Mystic Seaport,
Mystic, Conn. This is
America's largest living outdoor maritime museum. Educational and
entertaining, you'll find many memorable exhibitions and hands-on
exhibits, including a fabulous collection of smaller vessels, a whale
ship (you can board this!), a square rigged ship or fishing schooner.
Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic Conn. Tel. (860)
572-5315. Web site: www.mysticseaport.org
Battleship Cove, Fall
River, Mass. This large
collection of historic Navy ships is an awesome site, where you can
sail through the Cold War on USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., sound the
diving horn on the Submarine Lionfish, crank the hand wheels on Big
Mamies 40mm guns, or climb on board a high-speed missile corvette that
the Soviets designed to fight us. You simply don't know how big these
boats are until you get on one. It makes us greatly appreciate the
craft
that went into making theses ships and our brave Soldiers that
protected our freedoms on these vehicles. Battleship Cove, Five
Water St., Fall River, Mass. Tel. (800) 533-3194 Tel. (508) 678-1100.
Web site: battleshipcove.org/
Indoor
Museums
Boston Museum of Science, Boston, Mass.
More
than 500 exhibits (many hands-on) highlight this world famous science
museum that also includes a planetarium and Imax films. Boston Museum
of Science, Science Park, Boston, Mass. Tel. (617) 723-2500. Web site:
https://www.mos.org
Ecotarium, Worcester,
Mass. A world-class indoor/outdoor museum, the Ecotarium's
mission is to "contribute to a better world by inspiring a passion for
science and nature through discovery." A planetarium, animal
educational classes and displays (the bald eagles are a must-see),
geology displays, memory and perception exhibits and an express train
that takes you through a wild habitat with red fox, red-tailed hawks,
and if you're lucky a glimpse of Kendra the polar bear. The Tree Canopy
Walkway at the EcoTarium is offers kids and adults the experience of
what it's like to walk at the tops of the trees-- or be a treetop
scientist! EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, Mass., Tel. (508)
929-2700. Web site: www.ecotarium.org
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Mass. A recent renovation and expansion makes a world-class museum even that much better with more collections and and an appealing modern look. The museum features a collection of about 450,000 objects, including Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Art of the Ancient World; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs; Textile and Fashion Arts; and Musical Instruments. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, Mass. Tel. (617) 369-6500. Web site: www.mfa.org
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Mass. Very nicely presented, the 40,000 sq. ft. Basketball Hall of Fame wonderfully celebrates the best basketball players in the history of the game, as well as exhibits that focus on "skills challenges, live clinics, and shooting contests." Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield, Mass. Tel. (413) 781-6500. Web site: www.hoophall.com
Providence Children's Museum, Provdience, R.I. Proof that the Providence Children's Museum is a great attraction for children ages one to 11 is that no one is sitting around bored. One of the best children's museums in New England, the Providence Children's Museum is set in a bright, colorful and modern setting with enough interactive activities to spend the day. Some highlights include learning about pets and people, teeth, a walk-in kaleidoscope, Rhode Island historical displays, a woodlands environment and a waterways room where children can discover the power and properties of water through a live exhibit. Providence Children's Museum, 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Tel. (413) 273-KIDS. Year-round activities. Web site: www.childrenmuseum.org
Salem Witch Museum, Salem, Mass. Highly entertaining, the Salem Witch Museum focuses on this famous city's witch culture trails in 1692 through a tour that offers the visitor life-size figures, lighting and a lively narration. Salem Witch Museum, 19 1/2 Washington Square North, Salem, Mass. Tel. (978) 744-1692. https://www.salemwitchmuseum.com
Maple Grove Farms of
Vermont, St. Johnsbury, Vt.
You've probably seen Maple Grove maple syrup products in the
supermarket; here at the Maple Grove Farms Sugarhouse Maple Museum, you
can learn the process of making maple syrup. Maple Grove Farms, 1052
Portland St., St. Johnsbury, Vt. Tel. 1-800-525-2540 ext 5547. Web
site: www.maplegrove.com
Aquariums
New England Aquarium, Boston, Mass. (Pictured below, Photo credit: New
England
Aqaurium Press Room.)
When it
comes to aquariums, there are plenty of fish in the sea, but the
extensive collection of fish as well as an extremely knowledgeable
staff make the New England Aquarium a premier aquarium that is a
"must-sea" when visiting Boston. New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf,
Boston, Mass. Tel. (617) 973-5200. Web site: www.neaq.org/
Mystic Aquarium, Mystic,
Conn. The Mystic
Aquarium is perhaps a close runner-up to the New England
Aquarium, and regarded as one of the better aquariums in the United
States according to a marine expert friend. Not only is the collection
of fish spectacular and the physical plant simply beautiful, but the
Mystic Aquarium is also dedicated "to inspire people to care for and
protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration."
That means it's not just looking at fish here; the chance to learn here
is tremendous. Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, Conn. Tel.
(860) 572-5969. Web site: www.mysticaquarium.org
Amusement
Parks, Theme Parks and Zoos
Canobie Lake Park, Salem, N.H.
In a world of
locally-owned amusement parks closing, Canobie Lake Park has been a
role model of the independents that have remained opened by giving the
customer what they want: a mix of more than 100 traditional and modern
amusement rides, an impeccably clean park, and pride of ownership from
management to staff. Admission prices have remained reasonable, too, of
the utmost importance to many families feeling the economy. Canobie
Lake Park, 85 North Policy St., Salem, N.H. Tel. (603) 893-3506. Web
site: www.canobie.com
Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard Beach, Maine Old Orchard Beach in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has pleased the generations with its mix of sun, sand, and amusements. It's a bit honky tonk, but family-friendly and with a beautiful stretch of beach, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Web site: oldorchardbeachmaine.com
Roger Williams Park Zoo,
Providence, R.I.
One of
America's oldest museums that has constantly updated through the years
to the point of being one of the best zoos in the country,
the Roger Williams Park Zoo is set on 40 acres and home to more
than
100 animals from around the world. Roger Williams Zoo, 1000 Elmwood
Ave., Providence, R.I. Tel. (401) 785-3510. Web site: www.rwpzoo.org
Southwick's Zoo, Mendon, Mass. This zoo is more fun than a barrel of monkeys! Some great fun can be found at Southwick's Zoo, beautifully situated on 330 acres in the heart of Massachusetts' scenic and serene Blackstone Valley. Arguably New England's finest zoo, Southwick's houses hundreds of animals, some of which are endangered species. You'll see the usual suspects such as giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys and kangaroos along with lesser known animals like a pygmy goat, ankole bulls and Nilgai antelope. An extensive array of birds and reptiles will satisfy fans of those species. Southwick's also offers amusement rides, a play area created from recycled materials, animal shows and presentations, educational outreach focusing on animal ecology, and some lovely shaded picnic areas with snack shacks. Southwick's Zoo makes for one of the best family-oriented places in New England. Be sure not to miss it as part of your New England vacation. Southwick's Zoo, 2 Southwick St., Mendon, Mass., Tel.: 508-883-9182. Web site: southwickszoo.com.
Santa's Village,
Jefferson,
N.H. A perennial New England travel favorite, with all
Santa-themed activities in one delightful location. Santa's Village,
528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, N.H. Tel. (603) 603-586-4445. Web
site: www.santasvillage.com
Storyland, Glen, N.H. Mother Goose, Cinderella and many other famous fairy tale characters come to life in a village setting (there are relevant amusement rides here, too, including Alice's Tea Cups and Cinderella's Coach). Especially great for the younger kids! Storyland, Route 16, Glen, N.H. Tel. (603) 383-4186. Web site: https://www.storylandnh.com
Clark's Trading Post, Lincoln, N.H. The most famous attraction here is the trained bear show, but Clark's is also worth a visit for a scenic train rides through the woods, a haunted house, bumper boats, an "Americana" Museum and an excellent gift shop. Clark's Trading Post, Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, N.H. Tel. (603) 745-8913. Web site: www.clarkstradingpost.com.
Water Country,
Portsmouth, N.H. The largest water
park in New England features some traditional and innovative water
rides, including Dr. Von Dark's Tunnel of Terror (how did they come up
with that name?), the Double Geronimo, Thunder Falls and Wild Canyon,
and the Triple Giant slides. Water Country, 2300 Lafayette Rd.,
Portsmouth, N.H. Tel. (603) (603) 427-1111. Web site:
https://www.watercountry.com
Tours and
Other Family Attractions Gems
Acadia National Park,
Maine Acadia National Park is one of the most spectacular
national parks in the United States, with its beyond scenic rocky
coast, and forested valleys, lakes and mountains, carved by glacial
force. It cannot be fully described, only joyfully visited. Truly a
visual treat, this 40,000 acre geographical wonder offers endless
scenery. Take, for example, the dramatic sunsets at 1,500 foot Cadillac
Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. From Cadillac,
one can see incredible views of Penobscot, Frenchman and Blue Hill
Bays. From the top of Gorham Mountain, you get an amazing view of the
glacial blue Atlantic Ocean. Then there is Thunder Hole, with its waves
creating a sonic boom. For those in touch with a more isolated nature,
miles and miles of trails and bicycle paths will bring you in touch
with beautiful wildflowers, a wonderful variety of trees and some great
fresh and salt water swimming. The 27-mile loop at Mt. Desert Island
offers endless ocean and mountain scenery, unlike anything you've seen
before. Web site:
www.nps.gov/acad/
Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Tour, Waterbury, Vt. Fun, fun, fun! You'll see a historical "moovie," a visit to the production room and receive a free sample of ice cream, afterwards! This fun 30 minute Factory Tour is located at the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd. (Route 100) in Waterbury Vt. You can make a reservation by calling (802)882-2040 or sending an email to amy.weller@benjerry.com. Web site: www.benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours
Boston Duck Tours, Boston, Mass. What better way to see Boston by land and sea than in an amphibious landing vehicle? Depending on the tour, you'll see many of the great Boston attractions like Quincy Market, Bunker Hill, Old Scollay Square, Old State House, Beacon Hill and Old North Church. Call (617) 267-3825 for more information. Web site: www.bostonducktours.com
Cliff Walk, Newport, R.I.
This free recreation trail indeed affords many spectacular beach,
ocean, cliff side and Newport mansion views along the eastern shore.
The first 3/8 miles of this designated National Recreation Trail within
a National Historic District are well-paved, with about 2/3 of the walk
being a rather easy one. Beyond the well-paved area, however, please be
careful! The Cliff Walk Web Site states that on the public right-of-way
over private property, “just a couple of feet from the path are abrupt
drops of over 70 feet.” The total time of the walk for a person in good
shape is about two-and-half-hours. We personally like to walk the 3/8
of a mile. You get a good walk in, and certainly will experience enough
outstanding scenic ocean views! People run and jog on the well-paved
area, but we feel that walking is best. By taking the slower pace, you
simply have the chance to appreciate every scenic step of this
fabulous Rhode Island coastal travel attraction. The walk begins at
Eastern or First Beach at Memorial Blvd., with parking at First Beach
or Narragansett Ave. Web site: http://www.cliffwalk.com/
Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury Vt. You can experience incredible local cider and traditional Vermont charm at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill (3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Route 100, Tel. 800-327-7537) in Waterbury, VT. Cold Hollow makes it cider with a rack and press built in the 1820s-- the final product is bursting with apple flavor. The cider donuts certainly worth a taste, too! Cold Hollow also features also a fudge-making room, a toy shop and a winery that with Vermont-made wines and hard cider. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, located with views of the Vermont countryside in Waterbury and neighboring Stowe -- home of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont at 4393 ft. One of our favorite Vermont rural attractions! Web site: www.coldhollow.com
Colt State Park, Bristol,
R.I. A coastal wonderland, Colt State Park offers a
stunning three-mile scenic drive with panoramic views around the east
side of the Narragansett Bay. Hiking and biking trails, 464 acres of
fruit trees, 10 large playfields, swimming (at adjacent Bristol Town
Beach), fishing, boating and six picnic groves (with 464 picnic
tables!) picnicking all make for a splendid day at what is one of the
best representations of the New England coast for tourists to see. Colt
State Park, Hope St. Bristol, R.I. Tel. (401) 253-7482. Year-round
activities; best during warmer weather. Web site:
www.riparks.com/Locations/LocationColt.html
Eastern States
Exposition, West Springfield, Mass. New England's largest and
most fun family fair takes place from mid-to-late September. The Big E
has something for everyone including amusement rides and arcades, horse
riding competitions, animal displays, shopping, music, agricultural
exhibits and some of the most amazing junk food on the planet -- from
fried dough to incredible donuts (there are some great lunches and
dinners, here, too, including the wonderful colonial Storrowtown Tavern
restaurant and kiosks featuring kabobs, london broil steaks and fried
chicken). Don't miss the Big E, one of VisitingNewEngland.com's
favorite New England attractions! Eastern States Exposition, 1305
Memorial Ave., West Springfield, Mass Tel. (413) 737-2443. Web site:
www.thebige.com
The Freedom Trail, Boston, Mass. If you’re looking for a “revolutionary way to save money while visiting Boston, Mass., The Freedom Trail offers tourists a free way to learn about America’s Revolution by walking a 2.5 mile red brick walkway that includes historic meeting houses, museums, churches. This easy walk features the Boston State House, Old Corner Book Store, Park St. Church, Old South Meeting House, site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall. What a great way to get to see our city, find about about a vital period of American history and get your exercise in — instead of losing weight through the wallet! Web site: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, Conn. This 24-room castle with medieval German design looks like the real McCoy, set within a 184-acre park with sweeping views of the Connecticut River. Tours are available, which is a good thing; otherwise you might get lost in this massive architectural gem. Picnicking and hiking also highlight the experience at the State Park. Gillette State Castle Park, 67 River Rd., East Haddam, Conn. Tel. (860) 526-2336. Seasonal. Web site: www.ct.gov/deep/gillettecastle.
Kimball Farm, Westford,
Mass. Kimball Farm, known for many years as one of the best ice
cream stands on the planet, has expanded greatly and also features an
outdoor seafood and grill dining area (featuring lobster rolls, burgers
and fried seafood), two state-of-the-art mini golf courses, a country
store with cafe (with baked goods and tea), batting ranges, ziplining,
arcades, bumper boats, a driving range, pitch and putt, and an animal
display area. You could eaisly spend a whole day here! Kimball Farm,
400 Littleton Road (Rt. 110) Westford, MA. Tel. (978) 486-3891.
Seasonal. Web site: http://kimballfarm.com/westford/
Lexington Minuteman Statue, Minuteman National Park Lexington, Mass. The Lexington Minuteman statue is located at famous Lexington Battle Green in the heart of beautiful, historic Lexington, MA. This sculpture of Capt. John Parker -- the first American to die in the Battle of 1775 -- is known as one of the United States' true landmarks, in memory of our country's quest for independence. Today, the statue stands tall as part of Lexington's impressive retaining of history, including the Lexington Battle Green, Revolutionary Monument, Old Burying Ground and pre-Revolutionary War buildings remarkable preserved -- the Buckman Tavern, Munroe Tavern and Hancock-Clarke House. Lexington Minuteman National Park, with over 900 acres of open land, has original parts of the Battle Road used on April 19, 1775. The National Heritage Museum offers great exhibitions of American history and current culture in a modern building.While history permeates the Lexington way of life, there's also enough 21st century offerings to make this well-known town a complete tourist destination. The brick downtown sidewalks lead to fine restaurants, coffee shops, arts and crafts stores and fine walking neighborhoods with incredibly "American" large older homes -- much like its neighboring equally famous town, Concord. Web site: https://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm
Wolf Hollow, Ipswich, Mass.
This one-of-a-kind New England attraction allows visitors to view gray
wolves interact with pack mates in their natural habitat. Much like
humans, the wolves co-exist as a family. The owners, along with
employees, at Wolf Hollow offer an exceptionallly educational and
entertaining hour presentation at this beautiful, rural location just
minutes from Crane Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Wolf Hollow is located
at 114 Essex, Rd., Ipswich, Mass. Web site:
http://www.wolfhollowipswich.org.
Marginal Way, Ogunquit,
Maine Marginal Way is one of New England’s finest walks, a
mile and a quarter-long cliff walk with aubundant plant life on one
side and the stunning, rocky coast Maine ocean on the other. For more
rocky coast, Long Sands Beach (free foot access) in York Beach, Maine,
features about two miles of sand perfect for walking and distant views
of scenic, Nubble Lighthouse. Marginal Way, 23 School St. Ogunquit,
Maine. Web site:
http://www.townofogunquit.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B86431777-8363-4DDF-8A8F-3DD6F177A6A7%7D
Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, N.H. One of the United States' most frequented Mountain hikes, and with good reason: one can see all six New England states from the summit, 3,000-plus feet above sea level. The hike is not as difficult as other New Hampshire mountains, and there are plenty of other things to do in this classic New Hampshire state park: picknicking, camping, ski touring and easy hikes. Monadnock State Park, 2 miles west of Route 124. Tel. (603) 532-8862. Year-round activities. www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/monadnock-state-park.aspx.
Newport Mansions,
Newport, R.I. In the late 1800s, America's wealthiest families
chose Newport as their premiere resort destination. Today, visitors
marvel at the magnificent Gilded Age mansions they built on Bellevue
Avenue. Regarded by many as the grandest of Newport's treasures, this
wide, tree-lined avenue is lined by Gothic Revival cottages,
shingle-style houses, and opulent French and Italian-style palaces.
Many of the mansions are now open for tours, and are always a
impressive experience! Web site: www.newportmansions.org
Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, Maine Generally recognized as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, Nubble Lighthouse is the perfect place to rest, and get hypnotized by the rough ocean waves and prototypical Maine rocky coastline --it is a picture-perfect postcard come to life. Sometimes, Mother Nature's fury can be viewed in the form of some spectacular storms with biting high winds and crashing waves. Nubble Lighthouse, Follow Nubble Road from Route 1A in York. Web site: www.nubblelight.org
Old North Bridge,
Concord, Mass. The scenic and serene grounds at the Old North
Bridge contrast with its violent past where local Minutemen experienced
its first American Revolutionary War victory by forcing the British to
retreat back to Boston on April 19, 1775.The Old North Bridge location,
famous for the "shot heard around the world," today seems more like a
peaceful walker's oasis with the placid Concord River, a quiet country
path leading to "secret gardens" and the stately visitor center known
as the Buttrick Mansion. As part of the U.S. National Park Service's
Minute Man National Historical Park network of historical attractions
around Concord and Lexington, the Old North Bridge makes for a special
visit -- full of rural personality and historical significance. We
consider this location one of New England's finest attractions, in part
due to something that can't ever be written into words. You just have
to be there to catch the incredible feeling of this famed area. Web
site: https://www.nps.gov/mima/north-bridge-questions.htm
Valley Railroad and Riverboat Cruise, Essex, Conn. Twelve miles of great Connecticut scenery on a turn of the century train and an option to connect to a one-hour Connecticut River cruise allow you to see the "real Connecticut." This travel gem brings you in touch with scenery that's as good as it gets in New England with rolling hills, amazing panoramic views of the Connecticut River, and a peaceful feeling so unlike the Connecticut many travelers experience on the urban dominated stretches of Route 95. Valley Railroad and Riverboat Cruise, 1 Railroad Ave., Essex, Conn. Tel. (860) 767-0103. Year-round activities. Web site: essexsteamtrain.com
Vermont Country Store,
Weston, Vt. Weston may be a quiet town, but it does have a
retail district. It's called the Vermont Country Store, purveyors of
Yankee bargains, Vermont-made clothing and just about anything else
under the sun. No trip to New England would be complete without a visit
to this esteemed New England landmark. We, at Visiting New England.com,
have always adored its Weston location set in a perfect picture village
in the Green Mountains. They have something for everyone including the
latest holiday gifts. Vermont fudge, cheese and crackers highlight the
myriad food selection. Wonderful clothing, kitchen gadgets, "problem
solvers," health and beauty items, furniture, and so many hard-to-find
"brands from the past" items from yesteryear are amongst the 5,000
great products available at this New England legend. Vermont Country
Store, 6547 Main St., Weston, Vt. Tel. (802) 824-3184. Web site:
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/company/static/Visit-Us/Stores.
Also keep in mind... It doesn't
really fit into any category here, but let's not also forget about The
Flume, a natural gorge extending 800 ft. at the base of Mt.
Liberty in
the White Mountains of New Hampshire with a rise to a height of 70 to
90 feet. It's a bit scary as I've heard of many moms that just prefer
to wait in the car. You can walk the gorge or do the two-mile loop. I
like the latter; it's a great workout and lots of nice scenery along
the way! The Flume, Rt. 3, Lincoln, N.H. Tel. (603) 745-8391. Web site:
https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/flume-gorge.aspx
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